SA bred devils a bid to save species

Two Tasmanian Devils bred at an Adelaide sanctuary are set to be released on an island off Tasmania. Source: AAP

A PAIR of Tasmanian devils bred in South Australia are set to be released on an island off Tasmania as part of efforts to save the species from a deadly facial tumour disease.

The disease has wiped out an estimated 90 per cent of the devil population in some parts of Tasmania.

Concern over its spread led to the establishment of a national breeding program eight years ago to ensure the survival of the species.

A breeding sanctuary was set up at Monarto Zoo, east of Adelaide, and it now has 19 of the marsupials, including three recently born joeys.

Two devils, one female and one male, will soon be released on Maria Island, off Tasmania's east coast, which is free of the tumour disease.

Another female may also be released, depending on the result of behavioural testing.

Fifteen devils were released last year although the Adelaide pair will be the first to be bred on the Australian mainland.

Zookeeper Adrian Mifsud said the devils have had very little human contact, which will help them make the transition to their natural habitat.

"Even though they have been bred in captivity, they still retain enough shyness from people to be released," he said.

"At the same time they're also inquisitive with different surroundings."

The devils will undergo final health checks before being released in October.

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